25 Things You Should Know About the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival

Posted On Monday, March 07, 2016

In celebration of the 25th Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival in 2016, we're highlighting 25 things you should know about the event. As you probably already do know, this is a BIG event here in Emerald Isle and on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina—treasured by both visitors and residents alike.

The 2016 Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival on Saturday, March 12 is fast approaching, so mark your calendars and make your plans to join in the family-friendly fun. The festival runs from 9a.m. to 6p.m. at Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Start celebrating the 25th annual event early on Friday with rides and live music (read on for more details).

Now, on to the list!

25 things you should know about the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival

1. Before we talk about the St. Patrick's Festival itself—with the namesake Emerald Isle, you may be wondering how much our island has to do with St. Patrick's Day in the first place.

5. If this is your first time or you're vacationing with us and unfamiliar with the area, here is where the festival is located.

6. Pre-festival fun begins on Friday, March 11.

The rides open from 5-10p.m. and a performance by Hip Pocket is slated for 6:30p.m. It's the perfect way to get into the festival spirit. No alcohol sales are happening this night, but unlimited rides are offered for a discounted price. It's worth checking out!

7. You should dress in your St. Paddy's Day best.

This event is festive and fun—dress accordingly. Hint: Wear green and add lots of sparkle. Gold is a nice accent color.

8. Enjoy an Irish-American tradition by ordering the corned beef and cabbage paired with a beer.

Of course there are many other festival foods to choose from including shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and so much more. Come hungry!

9. Speaking of beer, be sure to stop by the Beer Garden.

The Beer Garden is open from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Come thirsty! Of course, you need to be 21 or older and have your ID.

10. The festival hosts over 75 arts and crafts vendors.

11. The St. Patrick's Festival is famed for its family-friendly fun.

With a petting zoo, amusement rides, clowns, kid-friendly booths, face painting and more, it's a local favorite for the kids and kids-at-heart.

12. If you have kids ages 5 and under, check out the Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest.

Dress them up in their St. Paddy's Day finest for the contest on the main stage at 9a.m. Pre-registration is required by March 10 at noon and space is limited to only 20 contestants, so don't delay. Follow this link to learn more and register for the Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest.

13. The Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival has a jam-packed performance schedule.

14. In other entertainment news, Port City Pipes and Drums are on parade throughout the day.

It's an upbeat performance, literally and figuratively!

15. Sorry, no pets are allowed at the festival.

This is for your pet's safety! It's a busy festival and not best suited for your four-legged friends. Bring home some corned beef and cabbage and they'll forgive you.

16. Strollers are allowed at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival, except in the main tent area.

If you plan to bring and use a stroller, the town asks that you be aware of your surroundings and mindful of the high-traffic areas as much as possible, and of course, to be courteous of others.

17. Please leave your firearms at home.

They are not permitted at the festival. This includes both concealed and open carry.

18. You too can be an Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival sponsor.

Sponsorship for the festival is available to individuals, groups and businesses at various levels including Over the Rainbow, Shamrock and Leprechaun. To learn more, click here for the sponsorship form.

20. You can get a bird's eye view of the Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Day Festival.

21. Crowds in excess of 20,000 people are expected for the 25th annual event.

We told you it's kind of a big deal around here. It's sure to be a St. Patrick's Festival to be remembered on the Crystal Coast. Don't miss out on a piece of Emerald Isle history in the making. Be there!

22. You can thank the local sponsors for hosting such an amazing event.

They'd appreciate your feedback.

23. Local TV station WITN is a festival sponsor.

Stop by and say hello to WITN's Dave Jordan, who'll be at the festival this year.

24. The Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival is probably the most well-known event hosted by our town.

There's a reason for that! If you haven't ever attended, you should get your family and friends together and make a day of it. You won't be disappointed.

25. A little leprechaun told us about this video clip from last year's Emerald Isle St. Patrick's Festival.

Watch it! Get inspired! See you there.

Are you going to the 25th Annual St. Patrick's Festival in Emerald Isle? Happy St. Patrick's Day!